Replies

1. 
   joinerswork | Jan 23, 2005 05:50am | #1

   Hank,

   A light sanding, and a treatment with oxalic acid solution might lighten up the staining.  If that doesn't work, a two part bleach will lighten all the wood, but may not leave it an attractive color.  Cherry naturally darkens with age, so bleached, it may appear un-natural.

   Regards,

   Ray

1. 
   clintoncusto | Jan 23, 2005 06:44pm | #3

   Hi,

   Oxalic acid seems to be the consensus.  We will try it out on the back of one of the panels as a test.   Thanks for the input.

   Hank

1. 
   OneofmanyBobs | Jan 23, 2005 09:11pm | #4

   Oxalic acid will remove rust stains nicely.  It won't really bleach the cherry too light.  You'd need peroxide for that.  A wash with dilute lye will darken it up considerably.  Needs to be well washed and neutralized after that.   For a big area, just a light bleaching and letting it sit for a while before refinishing may be best.  If you want it all very even in color, a light sprayed coat of dye would be best.  It will have a fair amount of color variation if you only let it darken naturally.

1. 
   clintoncusto | Jan 24, 2005 04:02am | #5

   Thanks Bob,

   Is drugstore peroxide strong enuf?  Just brush on?  Is there a neutralizer to follow?

   Thanks again

   Hank

1. 
   OneofmanyBobs | Jan 24, 2005 04:35am | #6

   Commercial wood bleach is about 20% peroxide.  Drugstore variety is around 3% I think.  It may do something, but not a lot.  Also, peroxide bleach is mixed with an equal amount of lye solution just before use.  Makes it work much better.  Many paint places sell the 2-part peroxide bleach.  Something like $10 a quart.  Industrial suppliers sell it in larger sizes.  Oxalic acid will clean and remove rust stains, oxidation.  It won't bleach nearly as much as peroxide..

2. 
   vern | Jan 23, 2005 07:46am | #2

   I think Ray is right-- clean off the grime and everything else-- might need a solvent to remove the oils ( body ,etc. ) let it dry good to tell if you need to repeat then if there are still any un=natural discoloration ( remember cherry will naturally be dark not black but a very rich mahogany red appearance ) If you are trying to make it look like 15 year old cherry go to my e-mail and I'll tell you how I do it [email protected] good luck

   making sawdust